How to Choose the Best Cots in the UK
Silver Cross' cot is elegant and sleek thanks to its minimalist design. Its warm oak finish makes it a great addition to any nursery. It is also kept tidy with a drawer and a handy anti-bite plastic strip on the top rails.
This smart crib sets could be the solution to soothe your baby who is a bit fussy. It is able to respond with soothing sounds that resemble a womb.
Size
A good cot is the perfect size to allow your baby space to grow without weighing down the nursery. The standard UK size of a cot is 70cm by 140cm. This should be adequate to fit most babies until they reach around three years of age. Certain cots might have curves or other features that may impact the size of a bed mattress. It is therefore essential to verify your cot's footprint prior buying.
There are plenty of stores on the high street where you can browse an array of cots. Some include Dunelm and Ikea. Some also have a return policy, so you can return the cot if it doesn't meet your requirements. It's also a good idea to shop online, since you can get a better idea of the dimensions of each cot, and the way it will look in your nursery.
If you're looking for a cot that is of high-quality, the SNOO Sleeper Smart is a great option. This cot will monitor your baby's crying and gently rock them to sleep, emulating the sounds of the womb. This technology will help your baby to get a good night's rest. It can be used in any cot or crib. It's a great crib option for infants or babies who have breathing issues, and it can even monitor their sleep patterns, which will help you understand the routines of your little one.
Stokke Sleepi Cot is another fantastic option. The cot is minimalistic, constructed of solid beech, comes with a removable panel that can be transformed into a toddler's bed. It also has an impressive variety of mattress positions that allows you to alter the size of your child's sleeping area as they grow. It's an excellent choice for small bedrooms or those with ceilings that slope. Our panel was also easy to assemble.
The Elementary cot, which is part of John Lewis' Anyday Collection, is another budget-friendly option. It is available in a variety of finishes, from white to dark slate grey and can be used from birth until your child is four years old. It comes with three mattress heights, which allow you reach your child easily and can be turned into a toddler bed by removing the sides and adding an additional footboard. The cot has a mattress, and is FSC certified.
Safety
Cots and cot beds are an important part of your baby's nursery but they have to be secure too. Find a cot that has the code BS EN 716 and that has been certified as meeting British safety standards. It must have a flat, firm mattress and not be filled with duvets or bumpers which aren't recommended.
If you are buying a secondhand cot, ensure it's not too old since paint can contain lead that can be harmful to infants. Look for signs of wear and tear, especially on the sides where children might rub their hands, as this may cause skin irritation. Be sure to look for any stickers or transfers that could be removed, posing a choking risk to your child.
Some cots have extra features such as teething rails and storage drawers. One of our mom testers was particularly impressed by this model from John Lewis which is both elegant and practical. "It's extremely simple to put together, and has all the pieces labelled alphabetically," she said, adding that it's one of the easiest cots to convert into a toddler bed. It also comes with an optional drawer to help keep the nursery organized and also has three adjustable heights, so you can use it as your baby grows.
Another consideration is the depth of the cot. Choose a cot which is at least 50cm in depth to prevent your child from escaping when they begin to become more mobile. There are a myriad of options for cot mattresses that include foam, spring interiors, or natural materials for those who suffer from allergies. You might also consider purchasing a cot cover to protect your mattress from stains and spills in the event that you decide to purchase a new cot. If you're purchasing an older cot, you should consider hiring an expert to check the safety of the cot and repair any damage. The cost of this service is around PS100, but it is worth it to ensure your peace of mind.
Style
It's easy to get bogged down with spec and safety when shopping for a baby but remember to think about the style. It's important to choose the cot that is in keeping with the nursery of your baby and your decor. Luckily, many cots and cot beds come in a variety of styles and colours that are perfect for any nursery furniture or interiors that you've selected for your baby's first bedroom.
The Obaby Stamford Luxe Sleigh Cotbed shows how stylish a crib can be. The drawer under the bed was an added feature that helped it earn high scores from our panel. Teething rails and three adjustable mattress heights also make this cot bed functional and fashionable. Our test participants also appreciated that the cot was easy to build, even though it comes in a flatpack, with clearly labeled parts and easy instructions.
Another alternative for a stylish cot is Stokke Sleepi, which combines Scandi style with the practicality of a cot that can 'grow' with your child. It can be used as a cot right from birth until the time your child reaches the age of five, at which point you can convert it into a toddler's bed by taking off a side. Its smooth oval-shaped finish and sturdy construction impressed our testers however, the price may be a hindrance for some.
A cot is a safe place for your baby to sleep throughout the day and at night It is important that you read the manufacturer's instructions carefully and follow them carefully to ensure that your child is comfortable and secure. If you select a cot with bars that are too close together your baby may get trapped or choke. Additionally, it is important to ensure that the drop-side mechanism operates smoothly and effectively and cannot be easily removed by your child.
If you're buying an cot that converts to a mattress, ensure that it is compliant with UK safety standards. These are usually BS EN 716 and BS 8509 that have an anti-bite strip at the bar's top. Most cots and cot beds will have this information in the product description or on their website, but If you are concerned it's a good idea to speak with the seller to confirm.
Convertibility
It is possible that your cot to last for a long time and some models are designed to do just that. The majority of popular cots can be converted into sofas or toddler beds. This lets you keep using it after the infant stage. They cost more as they have to support the weight of a child for longer. However, they are a great investment if you plan to keep them in use long after your baby has developed.
It's important to make sure that the cot you choose meets UK safety standards. Check for the BS EN 716 code on the product page to confirm this, and also make sure that it has a base that is completely slatted, and that there are no gaps on all sides. If it doesn't then you'll need to purchase a separate mattress for your bed.
Some cots come with extra features like rails for teething, which can help you reduce space and make your parenting experience easier. Some are simple to put together which is ideal when you're short on time or worried about putting it together yourself. The John Lewis cot bed, for instance, was rated by one our mum testers as the'most simple flatpack to assemble' and is complete with clear instructions and images.
Another option is the stunning Boori cot, which is a timeless design and comes with a variety of finishes that will suit your nursery. It can be converted to a toddler bed by removing one side of the cot. Then, it can be converted into a junior cot with the addition a footboard. It's also available in a variety of sizes to fit your space. One of our test parents reported that hers had lasted through three kids.
Another option is the Stokke Sleepi, which has an open design that allows you to transform it into different configurations. The mini model can be used from birth, but with the addition an additional side, it can be transformed into the bed of a toddler. If your child is older you can upgrade to a junior bed. Our panel chose it for its aesthetics. They loved the natural finish and the oval shape.